Athens is like a living, breathing time capsule. From the iconic Acropolis, the Ancient Agora to the charming lanes of Plaka, the Flea Markets and so much more – every corner has a story to tell and the Ouzo flows like the good times. In this post we’re sharing the best things-to-do in Athens based on our firsthand experiences.
How long was our stay in Athens – we’ve been to Athens twice and each time we had two full days to explore the city. In the two different visits, we discovered new sides to the city and therefore, we suggest that you keep at least 3 days here. If you’re into history and architecture, then you can consider 4-5 days here.
Accommodation: On our first visit in May 2019, we stayed in this cute Airbnb which was very comfortable. It was located 10 mins walk from the Monastiraki Square and many places of interest were within walking distance.
On our second visit in Dec 2023, we stayed in another Airbnb in an area called Psyri (also walking distance to Monastiraki Square and other places of interest). However, this area stood out when it comes to bars, cafes, street food joints and restaurants. This area has scores of them and is the night-life haunt of Athens with many places that remain open until late night (e.g. 2:00-3:00am).
See our full Greece Itinerary here and our Vegetarian Food finds in Athens here.
Here’s a summarised version of the best things-to-do in Athens, Greece through our lens:
Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour – if this is your first time in Athens, then a bus tour is a great way to get introduced to the city. You can sit back comfortably whilst the running audio commentary will give you more information on the history, the top sights here and show you around town. We went with City Sightseeing and enjoyed the ride. We also hopped-off at a couple of shortlisted sights thereby saving time and effort to get to them separately.
Archeological Sites and Museums
(1) The Acropolis of Athens tops the list of course. It’s an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. The Acropolis holds immense historical and cultural significance, reflecting the achievements of ancient Greek civilization and is one of the most iconic and important archaeological sites in the world. Immerse yourselves in the rich history of ancient Greece here and soak in the breathtaking city views. Due to it’s popularity it gets really busy so visit as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Within the Acropolis you can stop by at the Acropolis Museum as well, which houses artifacts and treasures excavated from the Acropolis site.
(2) The Ancient Agora in Athens is another historical and archaeological site. Perhaps not as popular as the Acropolis amongst the general public but it’s quite interesting nonetheless. The Agora used to be a bustling hub of activity where citizens gathered for various purposes, including commerce, political discussions, and religious ceremonies. One key sight here is the (3) Temple of Hephaestus aka the Hephaisteion, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece. Visit here to explore the well-preserved ruins and imagine the vibrant life of the Agora centuries ago. Within the Agora, you may also visit the Museum of the Ancient Agora, displaying artifacts discovered on the site.
(4) The Panathenaic Stadium is a historic stadium that stands on the site of an ancient Greek stadium and hosted the Panathenaic Games, a religious and athletic festival held in honor of the goddess Athena. The modern stadium is a reconstruction of the ancient stadium and was rebuilt entirely in marble for the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896 – marking the revival of the Olympic Games in the modern era.
If you have time for only one museum then we suggest (5) the National Archaeological Museum which houses an extensive collection of artifacts from various periods of Greek history. Its diverse and comprehensive collection offers you a glimpse into the evolution of Greek civilization over millennia.
Markets and Food
(6) Plaka is a historic neighborhood in the heart of Athens characterized by its cobblestone streets, traditional Greek houses with colorful facades, and a relaxed, old-world ambiance. Its narrow streets are lined with charming shops, cozy cafes and traditional taverns. It’s the perfect place to shop for souvenirs or indulge in some mouthwatering greek food.
(7) The Flea Market is centered around the Monastiraki Square and its surrounding streets. You can find a wide variety of items here such as antiques, vintage clothing, handmade jewelry, traditional Greek crafts, and an array of souvenirs. It’s a treasure trove for those looking for unique and quirky items. Bargaining is a common practice here to get better deals.
(8) Psiri, also spelled Psyri is a lively district renowned for its vibrant nightlife. The area is dotted with bars, cafes, traditional Greek tavernas and modern eateries. As the sun sets, the neighborhood comes alive with people enjoying live music. Outdoor seating is common, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant street life.
Scenic Cityscapes
(9) The Areopagus, also known as Mars Hill, is a prominent rocky outcrop located to the southwest of the Acropolis. The elevated position of the Areopagus provides an excellent vantage point to admire the ancient and modern cityscape of Athens. You can climb to the top (which is an easy hike) and enjoy the views. The views from the hill are especially stunning during sunrise or sunset.
(10) Lycabettus Hill, also known as Lykavittos, is one of the highest points in Athens that offers a breathtaking panoramic view. From the summit, you can see the entire city of Athens and the surrounding mountains. The views are particularly stunning during sunset and at night when the city lights come alive. It also features a restaurant and cafe at its peak, allowing you to enjoy a meal or a drink while taking in the spectacular views. You can reach the summit of Lycabettus Hill by various means – 1) Take the train to Evangelismos station, from there there is an uphill walk and a climb up many stairs to get to the furnicular station. From the station you can buy a round trip to the top and back or one-way to the top and climb back down a winding foodpath 2) You can take a cab right to the furnicular station and buy tickets to the top and back 3) You can hike up and down a winding footpath if that’s what you prefer.
Downtown rooftop bars / cafes are another way to enjoy the cityscapes in a relaxed way. There are many dotted around (11) Monastiraki Square and (12) Syntagma which range from casual to high-end. Here you can find some of the most stunning rooftop bars in Athens.
Here’s a map to help you locate each of the above and plan your days in Athens:
So there you have it. We hope this gives you a starting point in planning your very own trip to Athens, Greece. If you have questions, leave them in the comments and we’ll try our best to answer them.
Hop on to our full Greece Itinerary here or our Vegetarian Food finds in Athens here.
